Frequently Asked Questions

A licensed home inspector has met the state requirements to legally perform home inspections in Virginia. A Certified Professional Inspector CPI® is a professional credential through InterNACHI®, which includes training, standards of practice, ethics requirements, and ongoing education. Ideally, your inspector should be both properly licensed for the state where the inspection is performed and committed to continuing education through a recognized inspection organization. Licensing tells you the inspector has met the legal requirement. Certification and continuing education tell you the inspector is continuing to build skill, consistency, and professional standards.

Home inspections are crucial for identifying potential issues in a property before purchase, ensuring the safety and security of the investment.

Common types of home inspections include pre-purchase inspections, pre-listing inspections, new construction inspections, and specialized inspections for specific systems like HVAC or plumbing.

A pre-purchase home inspection typically covers the property's structure, interior, and exterior. It also includes an assessment of systems such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC to provide buyers with a comprehensive understanding of the property's condition before finalizing the purchase. A standard home inspection is based on VISIBLE and ACCESSIBLE systems and components such as the roof, exterior, structure, attic, insulation, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, interiors, doors, windows, crawlspace or basement areas, and built-in appliances where applicable. The inspection is visual and non-invasive. That means the inspector does not open walls, move heavy furniture, dismantle systems, or inspect areas that are unsafe or inaccessible.

The home inspection process typically involves a thorough examination of the property's condition, including the structure, systems, and components. The inspector will provide a detailed report outlining any issues found during the inspection.

In Virginia, home inspectors are licensed as individuals, not as companies. ACCM Residential Services is being built around Virginia inspection requirements, AHIT training, InterNACHI® education, and practical residential property experience. Before scheduling a full paid home inspection, we will clearly state the inspector’s current license status and service eligibility so you know exactly who is performing the inspection and under what credential. For new construction or New Residential Structure inspections in Virginia, buyers should confirm that the inspector has the proper Virginia license and NRS specialty designation when required.

No. A home inspection is not a pass/fail test, and the inspector does not decide whether you should buy the home. The purpose is to help you understand the visible condition of the property at the time of inspection. Your inspector’s role is to provide clear information so you, your real estate agent, lender, attorney, or other advisors can make informed decisions.

Construction experience can be valuable, but a strong home inspection is not just about knowing how homes are built. It is also about observation, documentation, communication, standards of practice, client education, and knowing how to explain issues without creating unnecessary alarm. ACCM brings a unique combination of residential services training, construction-material knowledge, client communication, property maintenance awareness, and report-focused education and TRAINING. The ACCM approach is designed for clients who want a practical explanation of the home, not just a checklist of problems. The difference is clarity. We want you to understand what matters, what can be maintained, what may need further evaluation, and what questions to ask next.

A standard home inspection generally includes visible and accessible systems and components such as the roof, exterior, structure, attic, insulation, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, interiors, doors, windows, crawlspace or basement areas, and built-in appliances where applicable. The inspection is visual and non-invasive. That means the inspector does not open walls, move heavy furniture, dismantle systems, or inspect areas that are unsafe or inaccessible. Ask us about non-included services such as pest, mold, sewer or well inspections and we can get you referred to the right person.

Yes. A well-maintained home can still have hidden or developing issues. The inspection helps identify visible concerns, maintenance needs, safety issues, and systems that may be nearing the end of their expected service life. Even when a home is in good condition, the inspection gives you a practical ownership roadmap.

No. A home inspection is not graded as pass or fail. The inspection describes the visible condition of the home and identifies items that may need repair, maintenance, monitoring, or further evaluation. Some findings may be minor. Others may affect safety, function, budget, or negotiations. The value of the inspection is understanding the difference. The inspection will benefit you for years to come whether you purchase this home or if you already own this home.

Is the inspector you have recommended licensed in Virginia, and if applicable, do they hold any specialty designations such as New Residential Structure (NRS)? Are you certified or trained through a recognized inspection organization? What standards of practice do you follow? What services are included in the inspection, and are there any additional services available? What will the report look like? How soon will I receive the report? Will the report include photos? Can I attend the inspection? What is outside the scope of the inspection? Do you carry insurance? How long have you been performing inspections, and what types of properties do you typically inspect? Do you have experience explaining findings to first-time buyers or homeowners? Can you provide a sample report so I can understand the level of detail I will receive? Are there any limitations or conditions that could affect the inspection findings? How do you communicate significant safety concerns or major defects discovered during the inspection? A good inspector should welcome clear questions before the appointment.

Start with the summary, then review the full report. Separate the findings into practical categories: Safety concerns Major repair or further evaluation items Routine maintenance items Cosmetic or monitor-over-time items From there, you can discuss next steps with your real estate agent, contractor, or other advisors. The report is meant to help you prioritize, not panic.